Attachment I.What are emotional attachments II.Theories of attachment A.Behaviorist approach 1.Dependency and drive reduction model 2.Operant conditioning model 3.Problems with the models B.Psychoanalytic approach 1.Freud’s theory 2.Erikson’s theory C.Cognitive-developmental approach D.Ethological approach 1.Background of the theory 2.The developmental course of attachment a.The “preattachment phase” b.The “attachment in the making phase” c.The phase of “clearcut attachment” d.The formation of a reciprocal relationship III.Measurement of attachment A.The “strange situation” B.Patterns of attachment 1.Secure 2.Insecure – avoidant 3.Insecure – resistant/ambivalent 4.Insecure - disorganized IV.Factors affecting attachment A.Maternal deprivation and institutionalization B.Quality of care-giving C.Infant characteristics

Behaviorist Approach to Attachment The importance of feeding and drive reduction Elicits positive responses Mothers provide infants with additional comforts, such as warmth, vocalizations All occur in single setting Mom becomes source of reinforcement

The Effects of Blanket Attachment on Play

Behaviorist Approach to Attachment The importance of feeding and drive reduction Elicits positive responses Mothers provide infants with additional comforts, such as warmth, vocalizations All occur in single setting Mom becomes source of reinforcement Operant Conditioning model Infants look, smile, and seek proximity because mom reciprocates with smiles, hugs The greater number of behaviors that get reinforced by particular person, the more one is attached to that person

Psychoanalytic Approach to Attachment Freudian approach Similar to drive reduction Become attached to person who satisfies basic biological drives (typically Mom) Relationship with Mom then prototype for romantic relationships throughout life Erikson’s approach 1 st developmental stage: birth – 1 yr: Trust vs. mistrust Children become attached to people who minister to needs Importance of mother’s overall responsiveness

Cognitive-Developmental Approach to Attachment Little to say about which people to whom one becomes attached Suggests that attachment depends, in part, on level of cognitive development Must be able to discriminate familiar persons from strangers Must recognize that familiar persons have permanence – object permanence abilities, as discussed earlier Thus, timing of attachment related to timing of development of cognitive ability

Ethological Approach to Attachment Central feature of theory Babies born with in-born set of behaviors Behaviors elicit parent care, thus increase change of survival The developmental course of attachment The preattachment phase Behavior a matter of genetically determined reflexive responses with survival value Promote physical contact Attachment in the making Orient and respond with preference towards mom No specific attachment yet The phase of clearcut attachment Shows separation anxiety Mom as a “safe haven” Formation of a reciprocal relationship Decrease in separation anxiety

The Strange Situation Procedure EpisodePersons PresentDurationDescription of Activity 1Mother, baby and observer 30 sec Observer introduces mother and baby to experimental room, then leaves 2Mother and baby3 min Mother is nonparticipant while baby explores. If necessary, play is stimulated after 2 min. 3Stranger, mother and baby 3 min Stranger enters, Min. 1: stranger silent; Min. 2: stranger talks with mother; Min 3: stranger approaches baby. After 3 min., mother leaves 4Stranger and baby3 min or less First separation episode. Stranger’s behavior is geared to that of baby 5Mother and baby3 min or more First reunion episode. Mother greets and comforts baby, then tries to settle baby into play. Mother then leaves, waves bye-bye 6Baby alone3 min or less Second separation episode 7Stranger & baby3 min or less Continuation of second separation. Stranger enters and gears behavior to that of baby 8Mother and baby3 min Second reunion episode. Mother enters, greets baby. Stranger leaves

Patterns of Attachment Insecure – Avoidant Little distress at separation Avoids mother during reunion About 20% of North-American infants Securely Attached Distressed during separation Seeks out mother during reunion About 65% of North-American infants Insecure – Ambivalent/Resistance Distressed throughout, and during separation Reunion a mixture of relief and anger About 10% of North-American infants Insecure – Ambivalent/Resistance Combination of avoidant and ambivalent/resistant Confusion over whether to approach or avoid During reunion may act dazed or freeze About % of North-American infants